Dogs Help Track One of North America’s Rarest Mammals in Lassen Volcanic National Park

One of North America’s rarest mammals, the Sierra Nevada red fox, may be quietly roaming the high elevations around Lassen Peak. A recent survey funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has brought new insight into the survival of this elusive species.

For 10 days, specially trained scat-detection dogs and their handlers from Rogue Detection Teams combed Lassen Volcanic National Park and the nearby Caribou Wilderness. Their mission: gather samples that could reveal just how many Sierra Nevada red foxes remain in the area. Out of 240 carnivore scat samples collected, researchers estimate that about 85 came from the rare fox.

The samples have been sent to UC Davis, where genetic testing will help determine how many individual foxes live in the region and how closely related they are. Another survey is planned for next summer to refine population estimates and assess whether new foxes should be introduced to boost genetic diversity.

The Sierra Nevada red fox, a high-elevation subspecies of red fox, is known for its thick fur and ability to survive harsh alpine conditions. Once widespread, its numbers have dwindled to the point where only a few small populations remain scattered across California’s mountain ranges.

These surveys are an important step in understanding and protecting a species so rare that most Californians will never see one in the wild.